F
GREEN RIVER FESTIVAL
July 10 - 12
rom July 10-12, the immense lower field of
Greenfield Community College was lined
with a colorful parade of fabrics, accentuating the beautiful, verdant Berkshire landscape. Some brave folks ventured up in the rickety
wicker baskets that are tethered to the ground,
absorbing a full view of the grounds that hold this
unique event. Others take to the sky completely
untethered, floating higher and higher in a full-on
voyage that usually ends up in some friendly neighbor’s backyard a bit down the road. It’s undeniably
mesmerizing, and you find that both young and old
stand still with head and necks strained to witness
the splendor of those remarkable balloons.
This year, due in part to last year’s sellout, the
gates opened on Friday night instead of Saturday
afternoon, firmly establishing a third night of great
music. I was a bit late to the party, but rushed down
the hill to the second stage, dubbed Four Rivers
Stage, just in time to catch the flashy, uber-talented Chuchito Valdes.Valdes could be described as
anything but dull. The Cuban pianist, flashing his
infectious smile and dressed in a bright yellow button down shirt proved to be an absolute fury on the
keys. Backed by bass and percussion, the four-piece
really took hold of the night and spiced it up.
On this night the stage was dedicated to the Latin music scene and showcased a few notable acts
in the like of